US Adults Favor a Different Social Media over Instagram and TikTok

The Most Popular Social Media Platform Among US Adults Isn’t Instagram or TikTok

Social media continues to play a crucial role in our daily lives, and according to the recent findings from the Pew Research Center, it’s clear that platforms like YouTube are leading the pack. In their latest 2025 report, the research analyzed social media usage among American adults, revealing some surprising insights about which platforms dominate the landscape.

Surprisingly, YouTube ranks as the most popular social media platform, with a staggering 84 percent of the 5,022 adults surveyed reporting regular use. Facebook, owned by Meta, follows in second place, as 71 percent of participants indicated they are active users. Instagram, another Meta product, comes in third, with 50 percent of adults using the photo-sharing app regularly. In contrast, platforms such as Threads are struggling, despite boasting 400 million monthly active users; only 8 percent of adults reported using it. Other platforms, like X, Bluesky, and Truth Social, showed even lower engagement rates.

The Pew Research Center also examined usage frequency, showing that 52 percent of adults access Facebook daily, with an impressive 37 percent logging in multiple times a day. Comparatively, 48 percent use YouTube daily, with 33 percent watching several videos throughout the day. Age differences significantly impact platform preference, with 47 percent of younger adults using TikTok daily compared to just 5 percent of those aged 65 or older.

Overall, YouTube and Facebook continue to maintain stable user bases, with Facebook’s usage showing consistent growth despite perceptions of stagnation. To address evolving user needs, Meta is continually updating its platforms, including enhancements to the Facebook Marketplace.

This data helps clarify the current social media landscape in the U.S., reinforcing the idea that YouTube and Facebook remain the top players. As social media evolves, how do your preferences align with this data? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Meta Description: Discover why YouTube is the most popular social media platform among U.S. adults, outpacing TikTok and Instagram in a recent Pew Research report.